Novelty fish measuring device

ABSTRACT

This disclosure describes systems and methods for purposefully introducing error into a measurement of distance. In some embodiments, a system and method for purposefully introducing error into a measurement of distance may include a novelty measuring device. A novelty measuring device may include an elongated member. The elongated member may include a first set of indicia. The first set of indicia may be positioned on at least a portion of a first side of the elongated member. The first set of indicia may accurately measure a distance. The elongated member may include a second set of indicia positioned on at least a portion of a second side of the elongated member. The second set of indicia may inaccurately measure a distance.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present disclosure generally relates to novelty measuring devices. More particularly, the disclosure generally relates to systems for intentionally inaccurately measuring one or more fish using a measuring tape shaped like a fish.

2. Description of the Relevant Art

For almost as long as mankind has existed it has competed with itself for resources, for food, for glory, and for a myriad of other reasons. Along these lines men have made friendly and not so friendly wagers as to the outcome of different competitions and/or events. Many times these competitions are based on the size of a trophy or prize captured during the competition.

This is especially true when it comes to competitions among hunters and fishermen. Outdoor enthusiast for years have been telling fictional stories about the unusually large fish and making bets with their friends about who is going to catch the biggest fish that day. Another well established fishing tradition is playing a joke on your friends. Artificially improving a fisherman's chances of winning a fishing wager with a friend while at the same time playing a joke on the same friend is desirable.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,062,215 issued to Schlitt (hereinafter “Schlitt”) discloses a measuring tape including a measuring scale on both sides of the metal tape. However, Schlitt does not disclose applying a substantially accurate measuring scale on one side of the metal tape and a substantially inaccurate measuring scale on the opposite side of the measuring tape. Although there exist many different types of measuring devices none of the known devices accomplish what the herein described measuring device is capable of.

What is needed is a device for convincing a competitor that his trophy (e.g., fish) is smaller than your own trophy even when in actuality it is not.

SUMMARY

This disclosure describes systems and methods for purposefully introducing error into a measurement of distance. In some embodiments, a system and method for purposefully introducing error into a measurement of distance may include a novelty measuring device. A novelty measuring device may include an elongated member. The elongated member may include a first set of indicia. The first set of indicia may be positioned on at least a portion of a first side of the elongated member. The first set of indicia may accurately measure a distance. The elongated member may include a second set of indicia positioned on at least a portion of a second side of the elongated member. The second set of indicia may inaccurately measure a distance.

In some embodiments, the first set of indicia may include markings representing a standardized system of measuring distances.

In some embodiments, the first set of indicia may include markings representing a standardized system of measuring distances comprising an English system or a metric system.

In some embodiments, the second set of indicia may include markings which appear to represent a standardized system of measuring distances.

In some embodiments, the second set of indicia may result in a second measurement which comprises about 10% to about 30% error relative to a first measurement resulting from using the first set of indicia comprising markings representing the standardized system of measuring distances.

In some embodiments, the second set of indicia may include markings which appear to represent a standardized system of measuring distances. The second set of indicia may introduce error into a measurement, relative to the first set of indicia, by about 5% to about 40%, about 10% to about 30%, or about 15% to about 25%.

In some embodiments, the second set of indicia may introduce error into a measurement, relative to the first set of indicia, by about 20%.

In some embodiments, the second set of indicia may measure a distance such that the distance appears longer.

In some embodiments, the second set of indicia may measure a distance such that the distance appears shorter.

In some embodiments, a novelty measuring device may include a container. The container may include at least a first opening positioned in the container. At least a portion of the elongated member may be positioned in the container. A first end of the elongated member may extend, during use, through the first opening.

In some embodiments, a novelty measuring device may include a catch. The catch may be coupled to the first end of the elongated member. The catch may be dimensioned such that the catch is inhibited from passing through the first opening.

In some embodiments, a novelty measuring device may include a retracting system. The retracting system may be positioned in the container. The retracting system may, during use, maintain tension on the elongated member such that absent an opposing force substantially all of the elongated member is inhibited from passing through the first opening out of the container.

In some embodiments, the container may include a shape substantially emulating an item the device is intended to measure a distance of.

In some embodiments, the container may include a shape of at least a portion of a fish.

In some embodiments, the container may include a shape of at least a portion of an animal.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Advantages of the present invention may become apparent to those skilled in the art with the benefit of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments and upon reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 depicts a diagram of an embodiment of a novelty measuring device.

FIG. 2 depicts a diagram of an embodiment of a novelty measuring device wherein the container is shaped like a fish.

FIG. 3A depicts a diagram of an embodiment of a first set of indicia on a first side of a portion of an elongated member.

FIG. 3B depicts a diagram of an embodiment of a second set of indicia on a second side of a portion of an elongated member.

While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof are shown by way of example in the drawings and may herein be described in detail. The drawings may not be to scale. It should be understood, however, that the drawings and detailed description thereto are not intended to limit the invention to the particular form disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It is to be understood the present invention is not limited to particular devices or biological systems, which may, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting. As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include singular and plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a linker” includes one or more linkers.

DEFINITIONS

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

The term “connected” as used herein generally refers to pieces which may be joined or linked together.

The term “coupled” as used herein generally refers to pieces which may be used operatively with each other, or joined or linked together, with or without one or more intervening members.

The term “directly” as used herein generally refers to one structure in physical contact with another structure, or, when used in reference to a procedure, means that one process effects another process or structure without the involvement of an intermediate step or component.

The term “novelty” as used herein generally refers to an article of trade whose value is chiefly, but not exclusively, for comedic purposes.

In some embodiments, a system may include a device for acquiring measurements, a measuring device. The measuring device may function as a novelty measuring device. The novelty measuring device may function to deceive one or more persons. The purpose of deceiving people may include playing a joke or prank on one or more persons. The purpose of deceiving people may include winning a wager with placed between two or more persons. In some embodiments, a wager may be directed towards comparing the lengths of two or more items (e.g., a fish).

FIG. 1 depicts a diagram of an embodiment of novelty measuring device 100. In some embodiments, the measuring device may include container 110, elongated member 120, a retracting system (not depicted), and at least one set of indicia 130. At least a portion of elongated member 120 may be positioned in container 110. In some embodiments, at least when measuring device 100 is not being actively used to measure one or more items, substantially all of elongated member 120 may be positioned in container 110. In some embodiments, a first end of elongated member 120 may extend through first opening 140 positioned in container 110. First opening 140 may be dimensioned such that substantially all of elongated member 120 including indicia printed on the elongated member may be conveyed through the first opening.

In some embodiments, container 110 may include a shape which is nonfunctional in nature. FIG. 2 depicts a diagram of an embodiment of novelty measuring device 100 wherein container 110 is shaped like a fish. The shape of container 110 may be nonfunctional in nature such that it contributes to the novelty aspect of measuring device 100. Measuring device 100 may be substantially shaped like an item which the measuring device is primarily designed to measure. In some embodiments, measuring device 100 may be shaped like a fish. Measuring device 100 may be shaped like any known or imaginary fish. In some embodiments, measuring device 100 may be shaped like a popular game fish. Container 110 may be shaped like any number of known or imaginary items. In some embodiments, container 110 may be shaped like at least a portion of an animal (e.g., an animal that is typically hunted for meat and/or as a trophy. In some embodiments, container 110 may be shaped to resemble living and/or nonliving items whose length are commonly the subject of wagers placed among persons.

Container 110 may be formed from known materials. Container 110 may be formed at least partially from one or more metals (e.g., aluminum, steel). In some embodiments, container 110 may be at least partially formed from one or more plastics. Container 110 may be appropriately colored match the shape of the container. In some embodiments, a container shaped like a fish may be colored appropriately to more resemble the fish the container's shape is emulating.

In some embodiments, elongated member 120 may include at least first set of indicia 130 a on at least a portion of a first side of the elongated member. FIG. 3A depicts a diagram of an embodiment of first set of indicia 130 a on a first side of a portion of elongated member 120. First set of indicia 130 a may accurately measure a distance within tolerated manufacturing deviations. First set of indicia 130 a may include markings representing a standardized system of measuring distances. First set of indicia 130 a may include markings representing an English system (e.g., inches, feet) of measuring distances. First set of indicia 130 a may include markings representing a metric system (e.g., centimeters, meters) of measuring distances. In some embodiments, first set of indicia 130 a may not correlate to any known standardized system of measuring distances, but may include markings set out at regular intervals and typically include some type of counting system associated with the markings (e.g., Arabic numerals, English alphabet, Roman numerals).

In some embodiments, elongated member 120 may include at least second set of indicia 130 b on at least a portion of a second side of the elongated member. FIG. 3B depicts a diagram of an embodiment of second set of indicia 130 b on a second side of a portion of elongated member 120. The second side of elongated member 120 may be substantially opposite to the first side of the elongated member. Second set of indicia 130 b may inaccurately measure a distance. Second set of indicia 130 b may inaccurately measure a distance relative to first set of indicia 130 a. Second set of indicia 130 b may include markings which appear to represent a standardized system of measuring distances. In some embodiments, second set of indicia 130 b may appear to be use the same system of measuring distances as first set of indicia 130 a. Second set of indicia 130 b may include markings which appear to represent an English system (e.g., inches, feet) of measuring distances. Second set of indicia 130 b may include markings which appear to represent a metric system (e.g., centimeters, meters) of measuring distances. In some embodiments, second set of indicia 130 b may not correlate to any known standardized system of measuring distances, but may include markings set out at regular intervals and typically include some type of counting system associated with the markings (e.g., Arabic numerals, English alphabet, Roman numerals); however the second set of indicia at least appear to correlate with the markings used for first set of indicia 130 a.

At least one of the functions of measuring device 100 is to assist the user in deceiving someone else (i.e., “the victim” of the joke) into believing that an item measured by the measuring device is shorter or longer than it actually is in reality. For this deception to work, especially when using a known standardized system of measuring distances, the error introduced into the distance measured by measuring device 100 must be within a fairly narrow range for several reasons. The amount of error is critical point of the novelty measuring device.

If the error introduced by second set of indicia 130 b is to small (e.g., less than 5%) then the difference between something measured with first set of indicia 130 a verses the second set of indicia may be negligible and hence the difference in the measurement of two items with similar lengths may go unnoticed. If for example you have two fish which are both 10 inches long and the first fish is measured using first set of indicia 130 a, the first fish will measure 10 inches. If the second fish is measured with second set of indicia 130 b (e.g., one with a built in error of 2%), the second fish will measure either 9.8 inches (i.e., −2% error) or 10.2 inches (i.e., +2% error); however, the difference in the measurements for the first and second fish may go unnoticed by the victim, or resulting the measurements being debatable, ruining the effect of the deception. Herein, a plus (+) symbol will indicate that error introduced into a measurement will result in an item measured as measuring longer than the item is in reality. Herein, a minus (−) symbol will indicate that error introduced into a measurement will result in an item measured as measuring shorter than the item is in reality.

If the error introduced by second set of indicia 130 b is to large (e.g., greater than 40%) then the difference between something measured with first set of indicia 130 a verses the second set of indicia may be so large that the victim may suspect that the second set of indicia is inaccurate and/or something is wrong. If for example you have two fish which are both 10 inches long and the first fish is measured using first set of indicia 130 a, the first fish will measure 10 inches. If the second fish is measured with second set of indicia 130 b (e.g., one with a built in error of 50%), the second fish will measure either 5 inches (i.e., −50% error) or 15 inches (i.e., +50% error); however, the difference in the measurements for the first and second fish may be so large, even though according to visual inspection of the two fish by the victim they are similar in length, that the victim will realize almost immediately that something is wrong, ruining the effect of the deception.

One would prefer the error built in to second set of indicia 130 b be large enough so that two fish of similar length appear to measure at noticeably different lengths while not measuring out so differently using the two sets of indicia such that the victim becomes aware that they are the victim of a prank.

In some embodiments, second set of indicia 130 b comprise markings which appear to represent a standardized system of measuring distances. Second set of indicia 130 b may result in a second measurement which introduces about 10% to about 30% error relative to a first measurement resulting from using first set of indicia 130 a comprising markings representing the standardized system of measuring distances.

In some embodiments, second set of indicia 130 b comprise markings which appear to represent a standardized system of measuring distances. Second set of indicia 130 b may introduce error into a measurement, relative to first set of indicia 130 a, by about 5% to about 40%, about 10% to about 30%, or about 15% to about 25%.

In some embodiments, second set of indicia 130 b comprise markings which appear to represent a standardized system of measuring distances. Second set of indicia 130 b may introduce error into a measurement, relative to first set of indicia 130 a, by about 20%.

In some embodiments, second set of indicia 130 b measure a distance such that the distance appears longer.

In some embodiments, second set of indicia 130 b measure a distance such that the distance appears shorter.

In some embodiments, the first and/or second set of indicia 130 b my include two or more sets of indicia positioned on a side of elongated member 120.

In some embodiments, the retracting system be positioned in container 110. The retracting system may function to maintain tension on elongated member 120, such that absent an opposing force, substantially all of the elongated member is inhibited from passing through first opening 140 out of the container. The tension applied to elongated member 120 may not be such to inhibit a person from conveying at least a portion of the elongated member through first opening 140 of container 110 easily and holding the extended elongated member such that it is inhibited from being retracted back into the container.

In some embodiments, the retracting system may include one or more springs. A spring on the inside of container 110 may supply all of the tension for the retracting system. When the first end of elongated member 120 is pulled, the spring inside container 110 is extended. Pulling out the first end of elongated member 120 further causes the spring inside container 110 to extend. When the user releases the first end of elongated member 120, it retracts into container 110, and the spring returns to its original position.

In some embodiments, measuring device 100 may include a stop switch. The stop switch may be positioned on the exterior surface of measuring device 100. The stop switch may function to inhibit elongated member 120 from moving. The stop switch, when activated, may inhibit movement of elongated member 120 by causing the spring to lock into position. This locking feature may allow the user time to properly measure an item. When the switch is inactivated, the spring inside container 110 contracts, and elongated member 120 is pulled back inside. In some embodiments, the stop switch may function to inhibit movement of elongated member 120 by applying pressure to the elongated member.

In some embodiments, measuring device 100 may include catch 150. Catch 150 may be coupled to the first end of elongated member 120. In some embodiments, catch 150 may be dimensioned such that the catch is inhibited from passing through first opening 140 of container 110. Catch 150 may be positioned on the outside of container 110, coupled to the first end of elongated member 120 such that the first end of the elongated member is inhibited by the catch from retracting into the interior of container 110. In some embodiments, catch 150 may function as a gripping point for a user to grasp in order to extract at least a portion of elongated member 120 from the interior of container 110. In some embodiments, catch 150 may include opening 160 and/or a depression which functions to at least temporarily couple the catch, and the first end of elongated member 120 to something which fits at least partially in opening 160 and/or depression. Opening 160 or something similar in catch 150 may allow a user to at least temporarily couple the catch to something such that measuring things which are longer than the reach of the user may be measured without the user enlisting the help of others (e.g., to hold the first end of elongated member 120 while the user pull on container 110 (or vice versa) to stretch out the elongated member to measure an item).

In some embodiments, measuring device 100 may include right handed and left handed versions.

In this patent, certain U.S. patents, U.S. patent applications, and other materials (e.g., articles) have been incorporated by reference. The text of such U.S. patents, U.S. patent applications, and other materials is, however, only incorporated by reference to the extent that no conflict exists between such text and the other statements and drawings set forth herein. In the event of such conflict, then any such conflicting text in such incorporated by reference U.S. patents, U.S. patent applications, and other materials is specifically not incorporated by reference in this patent.

Further modifications and alternative embodiments of various aspects of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of this description. Accordingly, this description is to be construed as illustrative only and is for the purpose of teaching those skilled in the art the general manner of carrying out the invention. It is to be understood that the forms of the invention shown and described herein are to be taken as the presently preferred embodiments. Elements and materials may be substituted for those illustrated and described herein, parts and processes may be reversed, and certain features of the invention may be utilized independently, all as would be apparent to one skilled in the art after having the benefit of this description of the invention. Changes may be made in the elements described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as described in the following claims. 

1. A novelty measuring device, comprising an elongated member wherein the elongated member comprises: a first set of indicia positioned on at least a portion of a first side of the elongated member, wherein the first set of indicia accurately measure a distance; and a second set of indicia positioned on at least a portion of a second side of the elongated member, wherein the second set of indicia inaccurately measure a distance.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the first set of indicia comprise markings representing a standardized system of measuring distances.
 3. The device of claim 1, wherein the first set of indicia comprise markings representing a standardized system of measuring distances comprising an English system or a metric system.
 4. The device of claim 1, wherein the second set of indicia comprise markings which appear to represent a standardized system of measuring distances.
 5. The device of claim 1, wherein the second set of indicia comprise markings which appear to represent a standardized system of measuring distances, and wherein the second set of indicia result in a second measurement which comprises about 10% to about 30% error relative to a first measurement resulting from using the first set of indicia comprising markings representing the standardized system of measuring distances.
 6. The device of claim 1, wherein the second set of indicia comprise markings which appear to represent a standardized system of measuring distances, and wherein the second set of indicia introduce error into a measurement, relative to the first set of indicia, by about 5% to about 40%, about 10% to about 30%, or about 15% to about 25%.
 7. The device of claim 1, wherein the second set of indicia comprise markings which appear to represent a standardized system of measuring distances, and wherein the second set of indicia introduce error into a measurement, relative to the first set of indicia, by about 20%.
 8. The device of claim 1, further comprising: a container; and at least a first opening positioned in the container, wherein at least a portion of the elongated member is positioned in the container, and wherein a first end of the elongated member extends through the first opening.
 9. The device of claim 8, further comprising a catch coupled to the first end of the elongated member, wherein the catch is dimensioned such that the catch is inhibited from passing through the first opening.
 10. The device of claim 8, further comprising a retracting system positioned in the container which, during use, maintains tension on the elongated member such that absent an opposing force substantially all of the elongated member is inhibited from passing through the first opening out of the container.
 11. The device of claim 8, wherein the container comprises a shape substantially emulating an item the device is intended to measure a distance of.
 12. The device of claim 8, wherein the container comprises a shape of at least a portion of a fish.
 13. The device of claim 8, wherein the container comprises a shape of at least a portion of an animal.
 14. The device of claim 1, wherein the second set of indicia measure a distance such that the distance appears longer.
 15. The device of claim 1, wherein the second set of indicia measure a distance such that the distance appears shorter.
 16. A novelty measuring device, comprising: a container; at least a first opening positioned in the container; an elongated member, at least a portion of which is positioned in the container, wherein a first end of the elongated member extends through the first opening; a catch coupled to the first end of the elongated member, wherein the catch is dimensioned such that the catch is inhibited from passing through the first opening; a retracting system positioned in the container which, during use, maintains tension on the elongated member such that absent an opposing force substantially all of the elongated member is inhibited from passing through the first opening out of the container; a first set of indicia positioned on at least a portion of a first side of the elongated member, wherein the first set of indicia accurately measure a distance; and a second set of indicia positioned on at least a portion of a second side of the elongated member, wherein the second set of indicia inaccurately measure a distance wherein the second set of indicia comprise markings which appear to represent a standardized system of measuring distances, and wherein the second set of indicia result in a second measurement which comprises about 10% to about 30% error relative to a first measurement resulting from using the first set of indicia comprising markings representing the standardized system of measuring distances.
 17. A method, comprising: accurately measuring at least a first distance using a novelty measuring device, comprising an elongated member wherein the elongated member comprises: a first set of indicia positioned on at least a portion of a first side of the elongated member, wherein the first set of indicia accurately measure a distance; and a second set of indicia positioned on at least a portion of a second side of the elongated member, wherein the second set of indicia inaccurately measure a distance; inaccurately measuring at least a second distance using a novelty measuring device such that at least the second distance appears to be longer or shorter than in actuality.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the first set of indicia comprise markings representing a standardized system of measuring distances.
 19. The method of claim 17, wherein the first set of indicia comprise markings representing a standardized system of measuring distances comprising an English system or a metric system.
 20. The method of claim 17, wherein the second set of indicia comprise markings which appear to represent a standardized system of measuring distances. 